ucked between towering tingle trees and the glassy waters of Nornalup Inlet, Coalmine Beach Holiday Park in Walpole is one of those rare spots where you really feel like you’ve escaped the everyday – without giving up hot showers, comfy beds and good coffee in town a few minutes down the road. Just three kilometres from Walpole, the park has a blissful bush-meets-beach feel and is an easy base for exploring the Southern Forests and the Amazing South Coast with kids in tow.
Families are spoilt for choice when it comes to accommodation. If you’re after a bit of luxury, the glamping tents are a standout – think proper beds, an ensuite and kitchenette, with canvas walls and forest or inlet views so you still get that “camping” atmosphere.
There are fully self-contained chalets that work brilliantly for families, with separate bedrooms, a well-equipped kitchen and a deck to sit and spot wildlife. Cosy cabins suit those who don’t need their own bathroom but still want solid walls and heating, while powered and unpowered caravan and camping sites sit under shady trees just a short stroll from the water.
For campers and caravanners, the facilities make holiday life easy. There are multiple campers’ kitchens with fridge/freezers, ovens, microwaves, kettles and toasters, along with plenty of tables, chairs and even high chairs – great if you’re travelling light or cooking for a crowd. Clean amenity blocks include baby baths and accessible bathrooms, and there are laundries with washers and dryers for tackling sandy clothes and muddy socks. Several free gas BBQ areas are dotted around the park, so it’s simple to throw together a sausage sizzle without having to pack your own barbecue.
Kids quickly find their own rhythm here. There’s an outdoor Playground that opens from early morning until sunset, perfect for little ones to burn off energy.
The recreation room is a magnet for older children and tweens, with couches, TV, table tennis, air hockey and foosball – handy on cooler days or when you’re all ready for some downtime. Reception also has a stash of books, board games and DVDs you can borrow, which is gold if you hit a rainy patch. The internal roads and bushy setting lend themselves to bike rides, exploring and making instant “holiday friends” under the watchful eye of parents.
Evenings at Coalmine Beach have that classic camp atmosphere. In season, some sites come with fire pits and wood can be purchased from reception, so you can toast marshmallows under the stars when conditions allow. During peak periods, the park runs a free outdoor cinema down at the Coalmine Beach day use area – bring your camping chairs, blankets and snacks and settle in for a movie with the inlet as your backdrop. It’s a highlight for many families and a lovely way to end a busy day of exploring.
Nature is the real star here. Native wildlife wanders through the park – you’re likely to spot kangaroos (sometimes with joeys), kookaburras, possums and plenty of birdlife. Guests are asked not to feed the animals, but there’s no need; they’re easy to see from your deck or tent. A ramp at the town end of the park provides easier access down to the sand, and the calm waters of Nornalup Inlet are ideal for paddling, swimming, kayaking and beginner-friendly water play. A boat ramp is only about 100m away at the Walpole Yacht Club, and there’s a storage yard and mooring area for those travelling with a boat, opening up fishing and exploring the wider inlet.
When you’re ready to venture further afield, some of WA’s most iconic nature experiences are on the doorstep. The famous Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk is only about 15 minutes’ drive away, giving families the chance to wander high through the tingle canopy. The Walpole Wilderness area offers scenic drives, four-wheel-driving, wildflower hunting in season, bird watching, and rivers and beaches to explore. Walkers and riders will love that Coalmine Beach is recognised as a Bibbulmun Track and Munda Biddi Trail friendly business, with both trails weaving through the region. For something extra special, you can join the WOW Wilderness Eco Cruise on the inlet – a much-loved, educational tour that many guests rave about.
Despite its tucked-away feel, you’re not far from essentials. Walpole has a village grocer, butcher, pharmacy, hardware, a health centre, Playgrounds and skate park, plus a family-friendly hotel/pub for meals if you don’t feel like cooking. The holiday park itself has a small onsite shop stocking basics such as ice, ice creams, bait, firewood and a limited selection of grocery items, with extras like BBQ meat packs and fresh bread available in peak times.
It’s no surprise that Coalmine Beach Holiday Park has picked up a string of awards over the years, including a long run of TripAdvisor Certificates of Excellence and high guest review scores. Recent reviews consistently praise the friendly, genuinely caring staff, peaceful atmosphere and well-maintained facilities. Whether you’re pitching a tent for a simple weekend away, settling into a glamping tent for a special occasion, or using Walpole as a base for a longer Southern Forests adventure, this is a park that keeps families coming back.
Coalmine Beach Holiday Park
Address: Coalmine Beach Road, Walpole WA 6398, Australia
Office hours: Monday to Saturday, 9:00am – 5:00pm (check website for current hours and seasonal variations)
Website: https://coalminebeach.com.au
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After spending 11 years in London working in the television industry for the BBC, Jennie McNichol made the move to Perth in 2010. As the Co-Founder and Editor of Buggybuddys, she has been able to use her experience and passion for helping families to create a trusted online resource for parents across Perth.
Jennie is the proud mother of two daughters, aged 16 & 14 and is a big advocate of the family-friendly lifestyle that Perth has to offer.
